Chocolate Alternatives for Dogs
Safely Celebrate National Chocolate Day With Your Dog!
Humans around the world absolutely love the taste of chocolate and are excited to celebrate National Chocolate Day. But unfortunately, chocolate is dangerous for dogs because of some of the ingredients it is created with. Although your dog would most likely enjoy the flavor of chocolate, it is important that you don't give them any. But you should know that there are a handful of chocolate alternatives your dog will absolutely love and that are safe for them.
Whether you are planning on celebrating National Chocolate Day with your dog or just looking to spoil them all year round, it is important that you only give your dog treats that are safe for them.
July 7th, 2022 Is National Chocolate Day!
July 7th, 2022 is National Chocolate Day, also known as World Chocolate Day. The celebration occurs every July 7th and is celebrated by individuals all across the world. Some sources claim that this holiday first occurred in Europe during the mid-1500s, whereas other sources claim this holiday was popularized by The Hershey Company.
If you are a chocolate lover then you should take some time to celebrate this holiday and you can even celebrate with your dog by giving them a safe chocolate alternative!
Why Chocolate Is Dangerous For Dogs
Most dog parents know that chocolate is dangerous for their dogs but many of them don't know exactly why this is the case. Chocolate is dangerous for dogs because it contains a chemical called theobromine and chocolate also contains caffeine. Dogs aren't able to effectively digest theobromine and caffeine in the same way that humans are able to.
Chocolate can be toxic for dogs because the theobromine and the caffeine within it can cause digestive issues but more notably these ingredients can speed the heart rate and dangerously stimulate the nervous system of your dog. Chocolate toxicity in dogs is common if your dog consumes a notable amount of chocolate but the severity of it will vary based on the amount of chocolate consumed, the type of chocolate consumed, as well as the size and health of your dog.
Some types of chocolate contain larger amounts of caffeine and theobromine. Below are a few different types of chocolate listed in order by chocolate with the most amount of theobromine content:
- Cocoa powder-based chocolates
- Unsweetened baker's chocolate
- Semisweet chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Milk Chocolate
Chocolate Alternatives For Dogs
Now that you have a better understanding of why you shouldn't give chocolate to your dog, you can learn about what chocolate alternatives are safe for your dog. There are a handful of foods and ingredients that will provide your dog with a similar taste as chocolate does but will provide them with potential health benefits.
Carob
Chocolate is known to come from the cocoa bean, but a close relative to the cocoa bean is the carob bean. Carob beans are known to be native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions but have been able to spread to many different countries around the world. Carob and chocolate are processed in similar ways and are both often used in baking but carob doesn't contain caffeine or the theobromine chemical that traditional chocolate contains.
Since carob is similar to chocolate and doesn't contain caffeine or theobromine it is a safe alternative to chocolate that your dog will love! Carob is one of the most popular dog-safe alternatives to chocolate because of the similarity between the carob bean and the cocoa bean.
Fruit
When you are looking for a chocolate alternative for your dog that is sweet and flavorful, one of the first places you should look is for fruit! Fruit is known to provide many vitamins and beneficial nutrients to your dog's diet but will also provide them with a sweet flavor that they will absolutely love. Some of the most common fruits that are given to dogs as treats are blueberries, strawberries, and bananas.
Learn about what fruits and vegetables are safe for your dog!
Superfood Dog Treats
If you are looking for a dog treat that your dog will absolutely love then one of the simplest options is buying them high-quality dog treats! Dog treats will spoil your dog with flavor that will leave them begging for more. If you are looking to reward your dog with a safe chocolate alternative then we recommend a dog treat that contains a sweet flavoring that your dog enjoys.
Dog Treat Flavors
Here at Wild Earth, we have created flavor-filled dog treats that utilize superfoods and healthy koji that will leave your dog begging for more. Check out our three different dog treat flavors:
